I think Kiteboarding will get the same way than Snowboarding or Skating.
The good riders arenÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t competing they are going for Film and Photos.
Look at Dre or Vari
Comps. are good for rookies to get a name but then it is important to get the sickest part in the sickest movie.
Look at Ruben his results were bad this year but he put some sick vids in the net. Yeah and right now for me he is one of the best riders without contest.
Contests are boring for the viewer shitty for the rider (most of them are in bad conditions because of the sponsors) and a sport like kiteboarding were itÃƒâ€šÃ‚Â´s all about style you canÃƒâ€šÃ‚Â´t judge

AND in comp. judges decide in videos the people how buy the DVD decide witch one they but so if you wanne see big air buy the big air DVD
soo it is your decision

I agree, there's a reason that of the top 10 contest riders, only about 2 or 3 are older than 20. Who needs it really, contests are stupid, how can you judge for style and creativeness? I like the races though and the kite cross seems incredible. Are sliders not already in freestyle contests? They should be...